Industrial action update – 10 May

The University of Manchester Students’ Union and the University’s joint statement on use of strike pay

The University has committed that it will not benefit financially from the strikes, but instead will make sure the money forgone from staff salaries will benefit students through new and additional activities.

The University of Manchester Students’ Union and the University have discussed various options following wider student consultation and have resolved to use the deducted strike pay to:

waive the fee for graduation gown hire, around £50 per student, for graduation ceremonies in July and December 2018. We are working on details of how to reimburse those who have already paid for their July graduation gowns; and

investing in support for student well-being including those with mental ill-health. We agree that students’ wellbeing is of paramount importance and wish to use the fund to promote joint actions around the prevention of mental health problems for students continuing their studies. Further details will follow once we have consulted with students and health experts.

The question of financial compensation was also discussed. The University has put in place measures to ensure that students are not disadvantaged by the strike action and can progress and graduate as planned. If any student remains dissatisfied, there are established appeal and complaint procedures that your school can advise you on.

The University Union Relations Committee[1] also discussed other options and it was agreed that we would look at improving communications around the existing student hardship funds; explore an option for a postgraduate futures event in July and consider how we might extend careers advice for and with our alumni. These actions would not require strike pay funding.

Alex Tayler (General Secretary UMSU)

Clive Agnew (Vice President TL&S)

[1] The UURC meets three times a year. Membership comprises Sabbatical Officers of the Students’ Union; the Director of the Students’ Union and members of the University including Vice President (TL&S) and Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer plus academics and PSS covering the Faculties, Student Experience, Estates, and Finance.

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